Let's Protect our Air Quality
Protecting our Air Quality
Cavan County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) installed an Air Monitoring Station in Cavan Town in 2020 which measures particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10). Particulate matter refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Sources include:
- Dust from unsealed roads
- Smoke from fires
- Car and truck exhausts
- Industry
Some actions which we can take to reduce our emissions to air and improve air quality includes:
- Reduce the burning of solid fuels
- Only use compliant low smoke solid fuel
- Home energy upgrades to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating.
- No engine idling
- Using alternatives to cars (cycling, walking or public transport)
High levels of air pollution levels can cause symptoms like sore eyes, cough, or sore throat in otherwise well people. When air pollution levels are high, older people, people with asthma, or people who have lung or heart disease are advised to consider reducing their levels of physical activity.
Air quality can vary enormously depending on the season and time of the day. The air monitoring system in Cavan Town, located to the rear of Cavan Courthouse on Farnham Street measures and transmits the data in real-time with results presented on the EPA website, AirQuality.ie.
For further information on air quality or any other queries you may have regarding protecting the environment, please contact the Environment Section of Cavan County Council on 049 437 8486 or alternatively at environ@cavancoco.ie.
Caption: We can protect our air quality, and our health, by taking action such as burning less solid fuel, or using alternatives to the car such as walking, cycling, or public transport.